In vivo detection of circulating tumour cell clusters by photodiagnostic spectroscopy.

BACKGROUND: We demonstrate a new diagnostic method, Photodiagnostic Infrared Spectroscoppy (PDIS), which is able to detect circulating tumor clusters and circulating tumor cells in the circulatory system. METHODS: The PDIS method is based on photodiagnostic physics and high resolution spectroscopy and is using calibrated spectroscopic data for the diagnostic analysis of the blood screening spectra. Using Confocal Laser Scanning Mikcroscopy the Indocyangreen-uptake of different cell lines of breast cancer cells is studied. RESULTS: The PDIS supplies calibrated diagnostic data about the presence or absence of CTCs and CTC clusters in the bloodstream with a sensitivity of 98 %. Therefore, the PDIS is suited to control the blood of cancer patients with respect of CTC and CTC clusters with an resolution of one CTC and one CTC cluster per blood volume. PDIS distinguishes the different phenotypes of CTC clusters. CONCLUSION: Circulating tumor cell slusters play a key role in the metastatic process and are formed only in solid tumors, they are appropriate objects to validate cancer treatments and to recognice cancer formation. The PDIS is a calibrated diagnostic method which allows to evaluate the results of solid tumor treatments and of chemotherapy treatments and to optimize the individual cancer treatment strategies.

Neural correlates of transmeatal cochlear laser (TCL) stimulation in healthy human subjects.

Transmeatal cochlear laser (TCL) treatment has recently been proposed as a therapeutic procedure for cochlear dysfunction such as chronic cochlear tinnitus or sensorineural hearing loss. The aim of this study was to investigate whether TLC has any influence on the central nervous system using functional MRI with healthy young adults. The laser stimulation device was placed on the tympanic membrane of both ears. A laser stimulation run and a placebo run were performed in random order. The participants were unable to differentiate between verum and placebo stimulation. In the comparison of verum to placebo runs, we observed significant activations within the left superior frontal gyrus, the right middle and medial frontal gyrus, the right superior parietal lobule, the left superior occipital gyrus, the precuneus and cuneus bilaterally, the right anterior and the left and right middle and posterior cingulate gyrus and the left thalamus. This network of brain areas corresponds well to results from previous PET studies of patients with tinnitus. Though TCL seems to have a clinically measurable effect on the central nervous system the neurophysiological mechanism leading to the observed activated neuronal network remains unknown.

[Increases of intracranial pressure and changes of blood flow velocity due to acupressure, needle and laser needle acupuncture?]. / Intrakranieller Druckanstieg nach zerebralen Blutflussgeschwindigkeitsänderungen durch Akupressur, Nadelakupunktur und Lasernadelakupunktur?

BACKGROUND: Pressure on the acupoints St.7 and SJ.22 can lead to significant, reversible increases in intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with elevated ICP. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated whether changes in cerebral parameters in healthy volunteers can also be registered, when the mentioned acupoints associated with ICP, are stimulated. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We investigated a total of 34 volunteers (24 females, 10 males) and a 15-year-old intensive care patient after severe head injury. The mean age of volunteers was 25.2 +/- 3.4 years (range 20-35). Stimulation was performed using acupressure techniques, manual needle and laser needle methods. We evaluated the main parameter of mean blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (left and right) as well as the pulsatility index. In addition, near infrared spectroscopy and blood pressure parameters were registered. RESULTS: Acupressure, manual needle acupuncture and laser needle acupuncture partially led to significant changes in the main goal values. CONCLUSION: Acupressure as well as acupuncture (needle and laser needle) can evoke reproducible functional changes in the brain. These accompanying effects are not to be ignored, in particular in patients with increased ICP.

Laser-needle therapy for spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee.

OBJECTIVE: This case report describes the treatment of a 63-year-old patient with spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK). BACKGROUND DATA: SONK usually appears in the elderly patient without the typical risk factors for osteonecrosis. It is characterized by acute and sudden pain, mostly occurring at the medial side of the knee joint. Symptoms usually worsen with physical activity and improve with rest. Besides physical therapy, limited weight-bearing and the use of analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, we propose low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as a conservative treatment option. METHODS: LLLT was carried out using laser needles emitting radiation with wavelengths of 685 and 885 nm, and a power density of 17.8 W/cm(2). Therapy sessions lasted 60 min and were performed daily over a period of 3 mo. The total irradiation dose emitted by 8 laser needles in 60 min of treatment was 1008 J. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging revealed distinct restitution of the spongiosa edema 5 wk after treatment onset, and the final check-up at 35 wk demonstrated complete restoration of integrity. CONCLUSION: The present case report provides the first indication that laser-needle therapy may be a promising tool for complementary and alternative therapeutic intervention for those with SONK.